A1 Group in Silver Birches, Highland Avenue, Wokingham was among six businesses and eight homes within the region that more than 400 Thames Valley Police officers raided in one of their largest ever searches.

Det Ch Supt Brendan O’Dowda said: "Today’s operation is the culmination of an on-going investigation that has been carried out by Thames Valley Police to target not only the theft of scrap metal, but the channels that thieves are using to dispose of the stolen metal.

"Thames Valley Police is committed to combating this, one of the fastest growing types of crime — a crime that threatens public and communitysafety and national infrastructure.

"The theft of high value metal is enormously impactive to individuals, especially the more vulnerable in our communities, schools, churches, energy companies and transportation networks.

"Metal theft is by no means a victimless crime. The callous action of thieves can force schools and businesses to close, railway networks and energy infrastructure is literally shut down and many communities are left isolated, putting people’s lives at risk.

"We will always pursue thieves and organised crime groups that carry out this type of crime and the 'market for disposal'. We recognise that most dealers operate a law abiding business. However far too many turn a blind eye to the origin of metal that enters their yard.

"The more unscrupulous dealer actively encourages the trade of stolen metal for cash without giving any thought and consideration to impact the theft has had on the very communities in which they live.

"We will make these people aware of the ramifications of their actions and relentlessly target them until they chose to operate more responsibly and within the law.

"By working with all scrap metal dealers and other agencies, we hope to ensure a robust and consistent approach to reducing the opportunities for metal thieves to trade with registered dealers."